Social Impact Assessment of Urban Mass Transit: A Case Study of Metro Rail in India

Abstract

The country's efforts to improve its infrastructure are important for promoting economic growth and alleviating poverty. However, these initiatives often result in negative consequences alongside their positive outcomes. These negative effects can manifest in various forms, including social, cultural, economic, and environmental impacts. As such, it is imperative to anticipate and prevent these undesirable outcomes to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. The importance of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and meaningful public consultation in infrastructure projects has been recognized by social scientists, policymakers, international financial institutions, and development practitioners as effective measures to mitigate adverse social impacts of development projects. This is equally applicable to urban transportation projects, which also require a thorough evaluation of their social impacts. In this paper, we examine the SIA rules and regulations under the RFCTLARR Act 2013, assess the social impacts of the Ahmedabad metro rail project (Phase-I), and propose mitigation measures to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive ones for all stakeholders involved. It is argued that addressing social issues early in the project and integrating them into resettlement management can greatly increase the chances of project success.